Fla. court clerk denounces red light cameras

Published: Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at 9:00 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at 9:00 a.m.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Pinellas County clerk of courts is urging local cities to stop issuing traffic citations from red light cameras until flaws are worked out.

The Tampa Bay Times reports that in a letter sent Friday to mayors and city officials in six Pinellas County cities, Circuit Court Clerk Ken Burke said the state law authorizing the cameras has created an unfair process for citizens.

Burke outlined eight issues, including the way drivers receive the citations, the way fines are increased if not paid on time and how tickets are issued to the vehicle owner. He points out there's no way to challenge the ticket until after the fine rises for not being paid on time.

He blames legislators for quickly passing the laws implementing use of the cameras.

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